17 October, 2025

How will climate change shape the places we call home: our communities, streets, and even the landmarks we love, like Edinburgh Castle, York city centre, or Liverpool Waterfront? 

We explored this question in the third edition of Aviva’s Building Future Communities report, released this week, which we’re proud to have helped develop. The findings have already made national headlines, with The Guardian highlighting how flood risk could rise sharply across the UK by 2050. 

Drawing on various national datasets, including the latest Environment Agency flood data, alongside Aviva’s own research, the report explores how flooding, extreme heat and subsidence will impact all constituencies in Great Britain. And the findings are sobering: by 2050, millions more properties could be at risk from flooding and subsidence, while extreme heat threatens to disrupt lives and livelihoods.  

In England, properties at risk of flooding are projected to rise by 27%, from 6.3 million to 8 million, with those at risk of surface water flooding increasing by up to 66% by mid-century. Densely populated areas such as London, Manchester and parts of the North East are projected to be hardest hit. 

These changes are likely to reshape some of our most recognisable places too. In Liverpool, where the waterfront area contributes around £6 billion a year to the UK economy, rising sea levels and heavier rainfall could push parts of the city into high-risk flood zones by 2050. Once considered relatively safe, its docks and cultural landmarks now face a growing threat from tidal surges and surface water flooding. In response, local authorities are working to improve drainage and strengthen flood defences to protect the city’s future. 

Across the UK, communities, councils and organisations are stepping up in similar ways by finding practical, often nature-based solutions to adapt to a changing climate. From low-cost flood resilience measures in new homes to better planning rules and improved access to finance for natural flood management, the actions we take today will determine how our homes, businesses and landmarks withstand the climate impacts of tomorrow.

By Sirisha Venkatesh